CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19):
Information for Transplant Recipients

What is “Public Comment” and why should I participate?

Source: OPTN/UNOS

Do you ever wonder how you can influence change when it comes to the development of policies in the world of organ transplant? When the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) begins to investigate how to solve any current policy issues regarding organ sharing and regulation, they provide opportunities for the transplant community to contribute feedback and make their voices heard.

The voices of the transplant community (transplant candidates, recipients, donor families, living donors, and caregivers) are an important part of this review. This policy development process is built to incorporate feedback and input from both the transplant professionals and stakeholders in the community. It is important to consider proposals from all angles- not only by people who are involved in providing donation and transplant care, but also individuals who are personally affected by transplant. This essential feedback is referred to as public comment.

The OPTN establishes a period of time, at least twice a year, where anyone can comment on a policy proposal when available, whether you support or oppose a proposal, to share your story if it relates to the proposed changes, or to present any concerns you have. All comments are reviewed carefully and can lead to post-public comment changes to a proposal. Your comments may ultimately affect any changes needed to improve the proposal before it advances through the policy development process!

OPTN welcomes feedback on these important proposals.

To learn more about current proposals and share your thoughts, please visit the OPTN website.